Ringing True

by Robert Morrow

It is the summer of 2005, the year of fear and loathing in America. Seattle resident Justin Raines wants to do something about the deplorable state of the human race. When his friend, Shelby Mirabeau, suggests launching a new world religion focused on accepting responsibility, Justin agrees only because he lacks a better idea. When their first laughable attempts at a launch fail, Shelby pushes Justin into an unholy alliance with Matthias Bender, the dark angel of American capitalism, who sells the idea of corporate religion to the skeptical founders. Through guerrilla marketing techniques, Internet advertising, and unexpected support from one of Hollywood's leading ladies, the religion-Ringing True- becomes a worldwide sensation. Still, the success is not exactly what Justin had in mind. He finds himself tangled in a series of plots involving corporate politics, financial sleight-of-hand, and a porn star who wants a piece of the action. As their enterprise faces dramatic challenges, Justin and Shelby finally discover what really rings true for them.

Genres: Fiction

328 pages, Paperback

First published November 24, 2010

About the author

Robert Morrow is the author of the novel Ringing True, a poet, a blogger and nonfiction writer (published under another pseudonym). Robert is currently working on three books: one a novel set in San Francisco during the dot.com boom; a collection of essays on workplace reality; and a book of blank verse sonnets.

Under yet another nom de plume, he is a musician and songwriter for the alternative rock band Acoustic Disturbance. He is also a traveler, a lover and explorer of the human condition.

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book imagined by an adult for adults. I love it. Sexuality is a part of us, that needs to be referred to without bigotry.

Its thought-provoking, humorous, smart, satirical, without ever drifting into the cynical. And it is remarkably well written.(!) Robert Morrow is a true poet, and his eloquent and classy writing promises greatness for the future.

The best summer read for anyone who enjoys thinking while and after reading.

Love it, love it, love it....

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again I find myself wishing we had a half-star option, because I would really rate Ringing True as three-and-a-half stars. The deciding factor for me was that I liked it much better than other First Reads wins that I gave three stars, so four it is!

When you boil the plot down to its most basic essentials, Ringing True is as cliche as it comes - idealistic 20-somethings trying to change/fix the world, everything takes off and it gets HUGE, the ideals and message get lost in the marketing and hype, and it all leads to an metaphorically explosive finale. In one of my writing classes in college the professor brought up the idea that there are only seven (or twelve or thirty-two, depending on who you talk to) plots in the literary world and every story fits into one of those molds. This is a book that definitely holds up that theory, because while looking at it in this bare bones abstract it looks like something you've already read a million times, when you're actually reading it feels completely fresh and new.

The characters are realistic, and while each is clearly filling a specific role in the storyline they all have just the right amount of personality to make them feel like an actual person rather than a stereotype filling a place in a cast of characters.

The plot itself is a great combination of feeling familiar, like an old favorite you've come back to yet again, and just enough twists to keep you on your toes. Things keep building and building and you know SOMETHING is going to happen - you're just not quite sure what. As for me, I absolutely did not see the last few chapters coming.

As for the invented religion itself, while I'm not going to be changing my own religious affiliation, the way I see it anyone who can't get behind "The Numbers" truly has no humanity in them. I would love to see this movement take off in real life.

I'm hesitant to put this one in the "destined to be a classic" pile, but I do think it has the staying power for a few years at least.

[Mary Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

RINGING TRUE is a smart novel that also enlightens and entertains. The book is concerned with large issues -- i.e., achieving world peace through a new religion that rises above divisive theology. That part was thought-provoking, but I think the real energy comes from the cast of quirky characters, including a small circle of friends in their 20s, a villain who's fun to hate, and a beautiful and mysterious film star. I found it interesting from the beginning, but about midway through I was totally hooked ... and often laughing. RINGING TRUE isn't a comedy, but it contains plenty of humor. ("You know damn well that once you hit thirty, you're fucking dead in this country. Dead!")

Author Robert Morrow clearly has a brilliant mind. He's also a strong writer, very clear and adept with language, though I have some quibbles. Occasionally there is over-writing that slows down the story and spoon-feeds the reader information instead of trusting us to follow along. Example: "Suspending self-flagellation for the moment, Justin [the main character] moved on to contemplate the apparent intrigue that seemed to be infesting Ringing True, Inc." When these kind of "stage directions" pop up, they give this contemporary and hip book an oddly old-fashioned tone. But this truly is a quibble ... RINGING TRUE is an original and memorable novel that can't easily be classified, but it rises far above all the formulaic fiction that crowds the market. Of special interest to readers who do marketing as a profession, since the creation of a sophisticated marketing strategy is a central part of the book.

[Molly Ringle · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if some nice, over-educated young Americans, disillusioned with this cruel world, came up with the perfect religion? One that was easy to understand, made good sense, and honestly would improve humanity's lot exponentially if everyone adopted it? Would there be any chance at all that the message would catch on, and *not* get distorted and misapplied when it hit the big time? Robert Morrow explores these important questions in 'Ringing True,' almost more of a clever thought experiment than a novel.

However, it *is* a proper novel, populated with complex and likable people (and a few not so likable ones). I chuckled a few times at the "how to save the world" discussions, recognizing them as ones I had in my early twenties with my friends. Didn't we all?

Alas, if Morrow's playing-out of the scenario is correct (and I suspect it is), the answer is no--there is no way that any great idea can escape getting distorted and exploited and generally messed up once it becomes popular. How discouraging. Still, it was good to see protagonist Justin learn this the hard way and come out of it all right. I especially liked how thoroughly he did *not* want fame, and how he stuck to his guns on that point. That's refreshing in a main character--and in a modern human, for that matter.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A group of shallow twenty somethings decide to change the world by espousing personal responsibility as a way of life. Admirable to say the least. The philosophies Morrow creates through the protagonist are well drawn and are a needed dose of common sense given the state of humanity and the world. Unfortunately Morrow sledgehammers the reader with his views on corporate greed, a self indulgent media and celebrity worship. All valid criticisms but not handled with much subtlety here, complete with corporate drones quoting Ayn Rand. While the protagonist is perceptive enough to write a series of personal responsibility tenets, labeled The Numbers, he's not smart enough to see a hackneyed set-up telegraphed a mile in advance. I had trouble buying it. Still, Ringing True does have a page-turning quality that kept my interest piqued throughout.

[Terri R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down. Ringing True is a fresh and compelling story about a group of 20-somethings who are disillusioned with the hatred and greed in the world and set out to make a change. They do this by creating a new world religion based on 12 non-judgmental, non-prescriptive tenets that do, in fact, take the world by storm. But just as the religion is taking off, trouble within the inner-circle unfolds (due to Hollywood and corporate involvement) and a series of plot twists and intrigue builds to the surprising and satirical conclusion. This book is not a book about religion. Rather it is a contemporary story that takes a fun, yet poignant look at the b.s. of modern life and prompts you to ask yourself what "rings true" for you.

This book is a great read, funny, but also insightful and thought-provoking. I highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for intelligent and provocative entertainment. I should add that the book does have some sexual imagery and uses some adult language---it's definitely for grown-ups.

Absolutely outstanding---original, sexy, fun and brilliant!!

[Ariel · Rating 2 out of 5]

First off, I was very excited to win this in a giveaway:)

I gave this 4 stars only because it took me until I was about halfway through to really get into it. Once I was in, I didn't want to put it down until it was over. I thought it was very well written, especially the character development, as I could really see the characters in my mind (and felt strongly enough that I wanted to punch some of them in the face). Whoops, stop the violence, right?

Overall, it was an interesting idea, and would be incredible if that existed in real life. The UU's are pretty close. I liked the ending, and I have to admit there was a twist or two that I wasn't expecting. Anyway, the sociology major in me enjoyed it thoroughly and I think it is definitely worth reading, it reminds you about what's important in life and provides a necessary message.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It was an easy read, but very thought provoking. It’s true that too many religions now preach love and humility, but encourage hatred and fear of those who believe different. This book takes us on the journey of two college students who decide that they want to change that.

Justin and Shelby had great intentions when they started out on their quest to save the world from self-destruction. However, by joining up with Justin’s roommate Matthias, they opened themselves up to their own implosions.

Even if you have the best of intentions, if you go about it the wrong way, you ruin what you had planned. This book shows just that.

I received this book from LibraryThing Member Giveaways in exchange for a review.

[Marsha Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ringing True was both a fun book to read and inspired some conversations with myself about what kind of religion I would like to see. This group of friends look at all the tenets of the major religions and determine what they like and don't like and what more needs to be in religion for acceptance. The though provoking views and conversations rang true for me. I could hear conversations from my past that took much the same form but without the same result. I recommend to anyone who isn't afraid to look at themselves and their religion and not shut down when it is called into question or presented with an improved alternative.

[Robert Morrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I wrote the book, I cannot give an objective review. I can only tell you that I had a great time writing it and I include the struggles, wrong turns and painful editing as part of that great time.

[Elise Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin Raines is a deep thinking young idealist who is very distressed by the condition of humanity. From starving children in Africa to corporate irresponsibility, he wants to see change. So when his friend Shelby proposes they start a religion based on personal and social responsibility, it doesn't take much to convince him to go for it. Quickly, it becomes apparent how different their motives in this venture are: Justin (whom I adore) is genuine and has a desire to help others; Shelby wants to help herself. Throw in a narcistic roommate with selfish ambitions to "sell" the religion and a Hollywood starlet looking for the "Next Big Thing," and you have a story that rings true: humans are a mess.

Ringing True is an intelligent, well-written, and interesting read. The flawed characters were believable, the dialogue natural, and the author has a good grasp and understanding of corporate strategy and failure. I agreed with him on those points, but not so much with his views on religion and marriage, but to each his own. We all have minds, and it's clear Morrow wouldn't be thrown off by someone applying some gray matter to his brilliantly laid out arguments and disagreeing with his point of view. That's ultimately the heart of this story: Think, take responsibility for yourself, with others, and in your community.

[Jerome Jinxly · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're settled cozily into your comfort zone - watch out! This book does not let you walk away from it without your mind racing. There's no coddling here: this is a book with a message and you are along for the ride! A plethora of multifaceted characters with rich and ranging back-stories ensure that you will find many places for your empathy to hook onto. Even the most despicable of the characters are presented with a humanity that makes you end up feeling for "the bad guy."

And let's not forget the story! Without revealing too much, your heart will experience highs and lows as the web of truths and lies unfolds in front of your eyes in one of the most realistic and genuinely touching tales I've ever read. The only problem with this book: by the end, you'll be craving more, especially after the incredible twist ending that even I - the one in the movie theater that usually has the plot twists figured out ten minutes in - did not see coming. So much so that I even gasped, alone in my apartment!

A fantastic read, and I look forward to the next heavy-hitter from Robert Morrow.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I stuck this one out for the sake of the book club. An interesting premise, and I liked the tenets of the religion itself, but the main characters were inconsistent and uninteresting and the minor characters were poorly drawn caricatures. The author's contempt for his chosen targets was smeared across the pages without subtlety, but the worst offense was the clunkiness of the writing. Odd word choices, contradictions, far too many words when fewer would do just as well...not my cup of tea.

[Ero · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thought-provoking read. I'm a cynical type and not prone to reading books about religion saving the human race from self-destruction, but I came across Ringing True and found myself enjoying the ideas presented by Robert Morrow. While the main character's naivete drove me bonkers every now and then, I'd still recommend the book to others. One cannot read "The Numbers" without a little voice within saying "now THAT makes SENSE!"
Side Note: As a Seattle-ite, I was impressed with Morrow's ability to capture the unique environment of the Pacific NW. It's more than rain and coffee, people!
Anyway, strong writing, interesting concepts that make you think, and I like the color of the cover.
If the summary piques your interest, check it out!

[Paul Byer]

I never read this book. However, I did have this idea based on the fact that I see every day one or two small back office religious organizations flying to the fore-front in my country. All I could imagine is that God is now BIG BU$INE$$!

[Diana Melendez]

this book contains technological science fiction and involvement of cliques...

[Christy Compeau]

I won this book from Goodreads. I cant wait to get into it!